Be Yourself...

Be yourself, two of the most powerful words of advice. They give you freedom to just be. But what about the days when your mind gets bum rushed with doubt, shame, and their first cousin guilt? You see in me I am powerless, believe it I am just dust. But one  day I confessed with my mouth and truly believed in my heart what I knew about Jesus and that was the start. Belief to believe in God more than I believe in me. To believe that He will always be. But you see the things I've endured left me with trust issues so now my view is skewed. I'm starting to refocus like 20/20 I started using clear eyes, had to read the word to realize that in my head were real lies. Far from truth, everyone talks about Ruth but Naomi had the wisdom. She lead and guided Ruth to be in position. Shoot, I want wisdom, give me truth! I'm powerful because of my youth. God said he'll never leave me and although everyone else did, I believe and I receive the okay to be free from my old self and be myself. 

-Ashley A. Porter

@Ashley_Speaks_

A Mothers Love...

A mother’s true love is unending, it a force of nature that is hard to convey. But the love of a single mother is like a hurricane with extra rain. Going to battle with the other parent can be the most humiliating and frustrating conversation. It’s crazy how people expect you to depend on them, my child is the dependent not me.  I used to think that love conquers all, but truly I see his character flaw- it was never love. I’ll admit I faked smiles and tried to keep up with others but the real me began to be smothered. I made myself look like a fool, and he contributed to that look too. When I decided to take no more, something in me began to roar. I’m not a failure, nor am I less than. I’m a woman who has to live with a consequence for lack of self control. Children are a blessing from the Lord; it is written and very true. My child looked in my eyes and told me not to cry. He said, “Mommy you’re not alone anymore. You have me and God.” Those words from such a fragile soul, stick with me daily. Pastor Matt Chandler once said, “Where the ideal lacks, grace abounds” and no I am no longer lost I have been found. This is not a message for sympathy or pity, I am writing for all the mothers like me. The ones who pray more than complain, the ones who sacrifice beyond measure, the ones that feel alone in this season, the ones that are clinging to Jesus, the ones that by the grace of God make ends meet, the ones who smile in the face of defeat. I am writing because we are not in this alone. I am writing this to kick satan back under our throne. God has a heart for the “underdog”, at times it seems as if we are the ones left on the bench. I am writing this to say, God loves you and your child (ren) beyond measure, this season is developing you and teaching you to solely rely on the Lord. Things get hard and it’s okay to cry but once your eyes are dry set them on the one above, the one who has no end to His love. This world casts us out but we’re not less than nor equal to, we are set apart to be and to do, exactly as the Lord leads. No longer will we entertain thoughts that are negative, no longer will we throw pity parties, no longer will we fuss, from this moment forward we will take a deep breath and pray, pouring our heart out to the one that holds the world in His hands but leans in with a listening ear directly to us. People look and see the smiles and think “She’s so strong” not knowing that this strength isn’t mine, it comes from my Heavenly Father. 

There's this stigma that single mothers are after money or out to ruin the father of the child's life, that may be someone's truth but it has never been mine. There are a lot of us who genuinely want the absolute best despite the circumstances for our child. This post simply is to encourage those single mother's to continue to keep God first and know that they are not forgotten. 

I believe God

I believe God. I believe that when he made me, he had you in mind. I believe that when he formed you, your heart was mine. Distinct, same rhythm no blues. Although now it may be bruised. But I believe God for total healing. I believe that his plan and purpose for us is worth every fuss. Worth every pain that has prepared for the gain. I believe God that he will never lie, I believe God for this moment in time. I believe God sees our pieces, mine match yours. In days I've seen Him move, move through you. It won't be easy, the fight is real. But with God leading us we're bound to keep it trill. Haha funny funny. I'm so happy to call you honey. I cried for you, prayed for you before I had a clue of who. God honors obedience and I believe he's honored me with you♡

Got a problem?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 Your problems don't have you! Though it may seem as if they do, they do NOT! "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." James 1:2-4 Don't try to abort your season. Just as winter left and spring came, welcome your new season. Stop focusing on your problems and get your eyes up onto the problem solver. EVERYTHING serves a purpose and nothing, NO THING is too big for the God we serve. Claim your victory! Shout Hallelujah, it is well. #prayerchangesthings #Praisebreakschains #Godiscraaazyfaithful #pressthrough #youAREvictorious #youAREanovercomer #youAREthehead #walkinyourauthority

Magnify...

And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:22-25 For far too long we've misplaced our faith. The power that dwells inside of you as a believer is real. The meaning of Dwell is "to live in or at a specified place." You are the specified place that the Holy Spirit dwells in. The word of God says to BELIEVE that you have received whatever you ask in prayer. If you need to be healed BELIEVE you are healed, if you need to be free from an addiction BELIEVE you are free, if your finances literally need to be turned around BELIEVE that you are a good steward and have all that you need and more so that you may bless others. If you need peace BELIEVE it is yours. Too many of us are praying and not believing in what we prayed for. Focus on what the Lord is trying to teach you through your trial. Praise him for that Isaiah 43:18-19 "NEW THING" that is to be done in and through you. Thank you Lord for allowing us to come before your throne, we praise you for giving us another day to make your name great. Father help us to magnify you and not the things we are facing. Lord we know that you are before and behind us. Help us Lord to see the distractions for what they are and to praise you in spite of how we feel. Father you are worthy. Thank you Lord for healing us, for loving us, for protecting and providing for us. We love you and thank you in Jesus' name, AMEN.

Prayed for you...

Couldn't sleep so I prayed for you.  I prayed for peace to cover you. For joy to dwell and fear to flee. In God's company you shall be. I couldn't sleep so I prayed for you, that you're lead by the ultimate leader who freed us. I couldn't sleep so I prayed for you,  for your desires aligned with His will to come true.  That you forgive yourself and move forward with passion and pride not to brag but to widen your stride. To show yourself approved because with God you never did lose. Mistakes made but lessons learned.  I couldn't sleep so I prayed for you. I prayed for your mom too, for your family to be comforted and covered. To know the ultimate comforter. I couldn't sleep so I prayed for you, for you to rest and prepare for the best. I couldn't sleep so I prayed for you. I don't always know how or why but I know who. I couldn't sleep so I prayed for you and whether this ever reaches you just know someone prayed for you.

-Ashley Alexandria

Live Don't Exist...

At some point we have to be okay with not being okay. We all come to a place in our lives when the mask comes off and our true self commands attention. We fight and build walls to keep others out but in doing so we really just box ourselves in. We analyze and plot and plan on how to protect ourselves but that's not living at all. Life will never be perfect but we must grow through it. We must learn and experience all there is. Each one of our journeys is a unique path, specifically and strategically written by the Creator. What is for you, is for you. Prepare yourself to receive what is out here for you. Walk in your power and authority. Don't block your blessings trying to live sheltered and protected. God will never leave you or forsake you, you are chosen. The time is now to rise up and take action. It's time to live not exist.
-Ashley Alexandria
@ashley_speaks_